Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
Treatment of varicosis veins
For a number of years, the laser technique has been established as an equally valid alternative to the classic stripping therapy of stem varices and reticular varices. The aim of the therapy is the removal of pathological blood flow in the superficial veins (greater saphenous vein and small saphenous vein) and their branches.
In order to do so a thin catheter bearing a laser fibre is inserted into the pathologically affected vein via a small puncture. The laser-induced heat leads to a complete closure of the vessel. EVLT can be performed without sedation using a local anaesthetic.
Summary:
- Ambulant procedure
- Very good cosmetic results, due to lack of scaring
- Post-operative compression therapy for 14 days
- Post-operative thrombosis prophylaxis with low molecular heparin for 7 days
- Post-operative sonography control on the 3rd day, the 10th day and after 3 months
- Short recovery period, re uptake of work after approx. 4 days
- Sport and physical activity after 14 days
- EVLT can be applied alternatively to the varicosis vein stripping therapy
- Possible complications principally correspond to the operative therapy but are generally extremely rare (thrombosis, inflammation of the vein, bruising)